The stage was set.
In the midst of a wide green field stood a large, stunning mansion, home to many different fighters from many different universes. Whether human or animal, monster or deity, hero or villain, this world they had all gathered to, the world of Smash, was unlike any they had ever experienced because everyone lived in accordance and amity, but of course that didn't mean there were no rivalries. Tournaments were held very often, testing their various unique skills and abilities. Needless to say, everyone loved a good brawl.
When there were no matches scheduled the fighters went about their daily routines and lifestyles, spending their leisure time as they liked. Sometimes just hanging out together, watching movies with snacks and laughs and smiles all around, playing board games, or just simply napping under a warm sun was enough, but to two certain fighters there was no such thing as taking a break.
The simulator was booted up: Final Destination, one on one training mode.
Even when the moon had long settled itself in the starry sky, even when all the fighters had long curled themselves within the soft cozy sheets and pillows of his or her bed, peacefully snoring away, there were two fighters who just didn't know the meaning of "stop" or "that's enough for one day".
3…! 2…! 1…! GO!
Samus was the first to move, swiftly dashing across the stage, her fierce crystal-blue eyes locked onto her opponent. Using her jet boots, the bounty hunter propelled herself forward and executed the first attack, but as nimbly and gracefully as a cat Sheik dodged it, jumping into the air and performing a down aerial kick with precise aim. A successful hit! In retaliation, Samus shot a Plasma Whip from her paralyzer, trapping the warrior in a grab and letting loose a flurry of strikes followed by an upward throw and aerial kick. But Sheik saw the maneuver coming and quickly dodged, using the momentum to fall down fast and upon landing on her feet she jumped and unleashed a forward aerial attack.
"Off your game today?" she taunted, her powerful ruby-red eyes showing the smirk her scarf hid. But the bounty hunter gave her a smirk of her own and before Sheik knew it she was caught in a torrent of electrified energy and was promptly double-kicked away.
"Just getting started," Samus grinned, wiping the trail of sweat from her chin. They exchanged looks of determination, battling it out once more. Without a doubt, the bounty hunter and the warrior were the best of training partners.
One tournament long ago, what started as a free-for-all survival with Captain Falcon, Samus, Bowser and Sheik ended up becoming a one-on-one match between the women after the F-Zero pilot and Koopa King were eliminated. Both of them unwilling to back down, the bounty hunter and the warrior fought with lightning-quick speed and masterful techniques, each wanting to best the other. The very idea of being outdone by the other sparked an intense rivalry between them, one that burned like a great flame that awed all the fighters witnessing the match that day. But of course, there could only be one victor, and without her power suit on what Samus lacked in strength she made up for with agility and was able to deliver the decisive blow. At the end of the fray, however, the two fighters were very impressed by one another and respectfully shook hands, and since then they turned that passionate rivalry into a friendly one, always having training sessions.
This session was no different from the others.
After landing another attack Sheik rolled away and prepared her Needle Storm but before she could launch it the bounty hunter dashed at her and performed an upward smash attack followed by a backward aerial kick. Wasting no time she unleashed a Flip Jump, but much too carelessly, and this allowed the warrior to retaliate by executing her Vanish technique, disappearing in a shroud of smoke then suddenly reappearing and grabbing Samus, pummeling her before kicking her backward. Grunting, the bounty hunter regained her balance and turned around, charging her paralyzer before shooting.
But in the time it takes to blink Sheik came at her with her Bouncing Fish technique and caused the bounty hunter to fly off to the edge of the stage. Samus landed on her feet, staggering a bit. The power behind that hit told her Sheik was not holding back. Samus smiled to herself; she expected nothing less from her training partner and that's just the way the bounty hunter liked it. She took a moment to take in what had happened so far, some of her bangs clinging to her damp forehead: with that last Flip Jump failing she'd have to try a different approach.
Samus became aware of how heavily she was breathing, how much her heart was pounding; being so into these training sessions made her forget everything else. Sheik was the very same way and would solely focus on fighting; she too was breathing heavily.
It had been four hours since they started the session, their longest one yet. Once engrossed in their training, the two would never give up. Fighting like this was what they lived for.
The bounty hunter and the warrior dashed toward one another, relentlessly blocking and parrying attack after attack, trying to read one another's moves while looking for ways to counterattack. They were then locked in a fierce stalemate, pushing hard against one another.
"Had enough?" hissed Samus through gritted teeth.
Sheik's expression was full of intensity. "Not nearly! Give me your all!"
Samus intended to. Jumping away in order to distance herself, she then ran and landed a brutal knee kick straight into Sheik's stomach followed by a quick jab combo, causing the warrior to flinch and let out a painful groan. She was open now; this was the bounty hunter's chance!
"You're mine!" she said triumphantly before shooting her Plasma Whip and grabbing her, pulling her in close for another attack…
…Much, much closer than anticipated.
Their chests were pressed right against one another, faces merely inches apart, and suddenly Samus gasped, realizing the heat Sheik's body had been giving off from all their training and how good that heat felt, and suddenly, as she looked fully into the warrior's veiled face, her strong ruby eyes, she saw an allure to her she had never seen before.
For what was the most frightening, exciting, strangest moment of her life, Samus felt a burning blush overwhelm her face. She had the warrior right where she wanted, ready to deliver one last attack that would secure her victory…yet all that completely dissipated from Samus's mind, instead focusing on that wonderful body heat…
A fist connected hard with the side of her face, instantly waking her up as she stumbled away. How could Samus let herself become so open to attack? Sheik wondered that because it wasn't like her training partner to hesitate but the warrior took that to her advantage. Not giving the bounty hunter even the slightest chance to recover she grabbed her and pummeled her a few times, threw her forward with a shoulder slam, and then topped it all off with a roundhouse kick.
Samus got the wind knocked out of her.
GAME!
The Final Destination stage simulator ended, returning the training room to normal. As Samus got up to her feet, inwardly mad at herself for losing so gracelessly, she rubbed her sore cheek.
"You really packed a little extra zing in that punch, didn't you?" Samus said rather sheepishly, catching the bottle of water Sheik tossed at her while she opened a bottle of her own, lowering her scarf for a moment in order to drink.
"Mind telling me what happened back there?" The warrior began afterward, eyeing her carefully. Samus just glowered in the other direction. "You could have finished me off, you know."
"Hey, I'm more tired than I thought," the bounty hunter said coolly, guzzling her water. "Cut me some slack."
"I see…" said Sheik, going up to her and placing a hand on her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Try not to push yourself too much. We should take our training slow and easy. Come, no more for tonight. I know you're just as exhausted as I am."
Samus agreed, shrugging off that strange feeling and nodding confidently. Next time she would make sure to really give Sheik one hell of a fight. "Could we go to the kitchen first? I'm starving."
The warrior playfully nudged her and the two shared a quick laugh as they took their leave from the training room.
Life at the mansion was normal: tournaments were held regularly, Pikachu, Yoshi and Kirby napped, lazily sprawled on the sofa, Ness, Villager and Pac-Man ran around the halls in a game of tag, and Mario, Ike, Pit and Little Mac competed to see who could do the most push-ups. Peach and Palutena giggled and teased them, but of course Wii Fit Trainer utterly surpassed them all by doing two hundred push-ups, reprimanding the men and lecturing them about the importance of stretching.
"Tuck in those glutes!" she asserted while smacking Little Mac across the bottom. He blushed in embarrassment, rubbing his bottom while the other guys laughed at him, especially Captain Falcon, but the fitness trainer came up to all of them and pulled them by the ear. And she wasn't afraid to reprimand Ganondorf, either.
"Away with you, wench! You are in the presence of a Gerudo king! Now bow down before me or face the wrath of…" but before he could finish Wii Fit Trainer pinched his ear and hauled him away to exercise with the other men. By this time Zelda walked in with a tray of sandwiches for everyone, shaking her head and giggling at the sight of the guys all grumbling and crying from the humiliation of their yoga poses. But then she spotted a lone, ponytailed figure standing by the window, gazing at the far-off beautiful lake that was surrounded by forest.
"Samus, hello. How do you fare this afternoon?" began the princess of Hyrule, going over to her.
"I have a match coming up against Fox later, so I'm just resting a while before I get ready. Mmm, is that bologna with mayo?" She took the sandwich and began to eat, thanking Zelda. The princess was just glad to see someone appreciating her cooking for once, smiling to herself. While she ate Samus quietly studied her features and noticed something she never paid much heed to: Zelda's eyes were such a brilliant azure, a stark contrast to Sheik's deep crimson ones, but in a way they complemented each other nicely. By some strange magic, in this universe of Smash the princess and the warrior were two separate individuals. Samus had heard that they both resembled one another very much, which would make sense since they were two sides of the same coin. Yet Zelda and Sheik were completely different. Fighting styles, attire, personalities…everything.
The more Samus thought about it, the more she liked even the most trivial of differences between them, from the way they walked to the way they spoke, Zelda more civilly while Sheik more bluntly. Zelda's coffee-brown hair, Sheik's honey-blonde braid… Whereas Zelda's skin was fair, Sheik's was a bit tanned. The list went on…
The more Samus thought about it, the more she thought about Sheik, the more she thought about that look in the surface of her ruby-red eyes during their last training session, so focused…
…So captivating.
"Samus, is anything the matter? You seem troubled…" Zelda said with concern, never having seen the other woman appear so lost in thought. "No need to worry about the match. Fox is a great opponent, yes, but you are just as proficient! I wish you the very best!"
Samus blinked at her and quickly smiled. Yeah, the match… That's what she needed, a good scrap to take her mind off things… Now she really couldn't wait until the fight!
The crowd roared and cheered as the match went on, the bounty hunter and Star Fox leader battling it out, delivering blow after blow. Performing a Flip Jump, Samus struck true and her opponent was consequently buried into the arena. She landed on top of one of the platforms of Big Battlefield and prepared to execute an attack but suddenly Fox lunged up and kicked her. She immediately broke her fall and dashed at him as the crowd continued to shout and applaud. What a heated battle!
Other fighters were present as well, rooting for the two combatants. Link, Zelda, Shulk and Pikachu cheered for Samus while Falco, Lucina, Luigi and Peach cheered for Fox.
"Yeah! Go right, go left! You can do it! That way! Aim that way! Way to go! Woooo! Yeeeah! Show 'em what you got! Don't give up! Go, fight, win! Let's-a-go! Pika-chuuu! You're really feeling it!" came the din of all their voices at once. Fired up from all that cheering, Samus attacked tenaciously and was totally in control of the match; with resolve surging deep within her and with analytic calculations of Fox's each and every move, the bounty hunter went for another jet-boosted double kick, knocking Fox away. He retaliated by firing his blaster at her but she answered his shots with her paralyzer, stunning him where he stood and allowing her to come in close, nailing him with a punch. He backed away and scoffed, baring his canines.
"Come on!" he taunted before engulfing himself in flames, charging at her at full speed. She smirked and swiftly sidestepped out of the way, then kicked him to the edge of the stage. Just as she planned.
"Is that all?" the woman taunted right back and instantly rushed at him, ready to end the match right then and there with a Boost Kick, but it was then something…no, someone…caught the corner of her eye and she turned her attention away from her foe. There in the audience was Sheik, a spectator amongst the rest. She would always come watch her matches, but why did it feel so different this time to Samus?
"I got you now! Fire!" A sudden shout startled her from the trance Samus didn't even know she was under until it was too late, struck by Fox's attack.
"What the hell…?" The bounty hunter muttered wide-eyed, taken completely by surprise. No! Fox now had the upper hand and was turning the match around to his favor, striking her with quick jabs and kicks, all of which she tried to counter but it was proving to be ineffective.
Damn it all! It can't end like this! Not now, not now…! Samus mentally growled, trying to regain her posture, but it was futile. She had lost all concentration.
Fox performed his Illusion attack at an alarming speed, unleashing an upward smash attack that sent her into the air where he then kicked her, launching her away. Crying out in pain, she crashed hard onto the arena, rolling from the sheer momentum. That was it.
GAME!
The audience gasped, their initial shock of the turn of events fleeting as the winner was soon declared, the air filled with crazed screams and applause. Fox raised his hands up high and wore a proud grin on his face as everyone chanted his name; and no victory was complete without a pose, so he took out his blaster and spun it expertly before aiming it at the crowd.
"Mission complete!" he declared.
Instead of congratulating Fox on the win, just as she would always do for any fighter, instead of regarding anyone else as Link, Zelda, Falco and the rest of the group gathered around and celebrated, Samus quietly picked herself up, holding her aching side and limping away to the teleportation machine, returning her to the mansion. However, from the shadows Sheik watched her as she left.
"Hmm…" a hum of suspicion rumbled in her throat.
Almost every match since then Samus had been fighting rather tactlessly, as though that grand zealous flame that burned in her was slowly dying out. With every loss Samus mentally reprimanded herself. That match with Fox… How could she just drop her guard like that? It was unlike her. She always stayed concentrated and would never let anything get to her. She wasn't known to show mercy, either, no matter how beat up and battered her opponents were.
That was her style: to go in for the win.
But lately she wasn't winning. And lately she was thinking about Sheik, more than what Samus cared for and could control. She found it difficult to even glance in the warrior's direction without a blush appearing on her face.
Why can't I get her out of my mind? What is it that I want?
One night it was time for another training session. To warm up, Samus, clad in nothing more than an orange workout bra and matching sweat shorts, was punching at a sandbag with a little more force than what she intended.
Soon her training partner arrived, ready to get started. She was wearing casual workout clothes as well: just a simple dark blue tank top and black leggings, but she still had her scarf on. Samus closed her eyes and drew a long deep breath to try to relax. She didn't know why her heart would start beating fast like this, but she did know one thing: it happened every time Sheik was around her or when she was around Sheik, or even just hearing her name, even just saying it, or just seeing it on display on the tournament schedule board…
The bounty hunter just couldn't understand why. It never happened before, so why now? After that last training session they had long ago, why were things so damn difficult now?
Relax, Aran, relax…
"I'll go start the simulator. The usual stage, right?" Sheik couldn't wait to begin their training session, but there was more to it than just that. It was their special time together, these sessions… Time just for them, and Sheik had come to really value that. She had always deemed the bounty hunter the most capable and skillful fighter in the mansion. To her, no one else could have been a better training partner than Samus. The warrior respected her not just for her fighting prowess but also for that go-getting personality.
"No…" began the bounty hunter, not bothering to turn and regard her. "Let's do something…different for a change."
"Oh? What did you have in mind?" The warrior cocked an eyebrow, interested.
The answer came lunging right at her in the form of Samus about to punch her but the warrior blocked, answering back with a few punches of her own. Just like that a wild and vicious flurry of kicks, jabs and blows were exchanged between the two, and so commenced the training session.
"You better give me a better fight this time!" remarked Sheik.
"Shut up. Just come at me," that and an uppercut was all the response she received from the other woman. Just the way the warrior liked it: nothing but attitude and fists coming her way. Now that's the Samus she knew, that's the spirit she admired so much.
And just look at those toned abs… It's clear she takes good care of her body. I must admit she's got quite the figure… the warrior couldn't help but admire the more…intimate qualities of the woman as well.
This was going to be an interesting match.
So the two continued on fighting, no needles, no paralyzer, nothing but close combat. The bounty hunter was very aggressive in her attacks, her crystal-blue eyes unwavering as she stared at that face…then at that scarf that partially hid that face, and suddenly she wanted to rip that damn thing off.
An impulsive growl escaped Samus. Anger began to drive her now.
Why did Sheik insist on covering her face? Did she really look like Zelda that much? Why did Samus even care now? She had always respected the warrior's choice of attire ever since they met…but why did she feel this awful aching urge to just grab her and be rid of that scarf?
Beads of sweat trickling down her face and to her neck, ponytail swishing behind her with all her rapid movements, Samus went for a sharp right hook which connected with the warrior's abdomen…then another attack, then another, all of which were so ruthless that Sheik had to work twice as fast and hard just to counter. She wondered what had gotten into Samus all of a sudden but would not inquire about it.
This session was different from the others.
Meanwhile, Samus's breathing was becoming heavy as she just kept on attacking, staying purely on the side of offense. Frustrated, annoyed, maybe even a little…desirous…
Then she recalled the tournament with Fox again, how weak and pathetic she felt for having dropped her guard like that, a mistake that cost her the match… All because Sheik was there, watching her, maybe even thinking about her, too…
Somewhere along the training session Samus found herself studying every little detail of the warrior's body: muscular arms, attractive legs, plait of honey hair she so desperately wanted to undo, firm ass oh so accentuated in those leggings, but more than anything she was drawn to those stunning red eyes…
She looks incredible… Why have I never noticed it before? She looks so damn incredible…
She's sweating, too…and she's not wearing those bandages around her breasts…
I want something…something…something!
"Would you stop doing this to me?!" she suddenly snapped at the other woman.
"Wh-what…?" The warrior stepped away in vain before being caught in an onslaught of punches and kicks. Just when Samus was going to finish it, to finally win with a white-knuckled punch to Sheik's face, the bounty hunter stopped herself, gasping in alarm as she realized what she was about to do.
Shame burned upon her forehead, lowering her gaze to the floor.
"…We're done for tonight." With those words leaving her lips a shaky whisper Samus was gone.
Still in a bit of a daze, Sheik just stood there, rubbing her painful arm. What was that all about? Come to think of it, she's been acting differently around me lately…and just then, that look she had… No, I must have just imagined that…
Later that week, Samus was inspecting her power suit, polishing it and making sure everything was in working order when she heard a knock at her door.
"Come in," she called without turning to look. As soon as she gave permission, however, she regretted it.
"Samus? Can we talk?"
The calm voice alone made the bounty hunter swallow. Maintaining focus on her power suit, she began to calibrate the arm cannon.
"…What is it?" she said in a serious tone. Sheik stepped inside but lingered by the door with her arms behind her back, hands on the knob; suddenly she was a little unsure but despite that spoke with firmness.
"I've been watching you and you haven't been acting like yourself. Is it your tournaments? You did very well in the last team battle with Marth, but at times your strategies were reckless."
"Just trying out some new styles, that's all," was the neutral reply.
There was a short pause before the warrior continued, unconsciously gripping the knob a bit tighter. "Is it…me?" She almost didn't want to hear the answer.
Upon hearing that, Samus paused from her work to stare at the window without truly looking at it.
"Why are you really here?" she then asked.
"I'm just worried about you."
"Worried why? That I'm 'off my game'?" This time the bounty hunter turned to glare at her. "That I'm going to cost us and everyone else every damn match? Just go ahead and say it: you think I'm weak."
"You have exceptional skill and your heart is full of good: you're the strongest person I know. Don't you ever tell me otherwise."
"I've been slowing everyone down and you know it. What's the point in fighting if I can't prove myself? If I can't win?"
"Where's all this coming from?" Sheik spoke sternly. "Why does it always have to be about winning with you? Why are you so angry?"
"Who said I was angry?"
"Don't give me that. Stop being so stubborn and just tell me what's been bothering you. We need to talk about this whether you like it or not." The warrior's gaze upon her hardened.
Gritting her teeth a bit, Samus averted her gaze, looking at the floor now. "I'm fine, okay? Just drop it."
"Why are you doubting yourself like this? Just let me help you."
Starting to lose her patience, the bounty hunter resumed checking her power suit. "You want to help me? Start by leaving me alone," she told her coldly, refusing to look at her anymore.
Another moment's pause.
"…So it is me, then," the pang of hurt in Sheik's voice dealt a horrible pain to Samus, face giving shape to guilt. But she tried to dismiss the feeling, absentmindedly pushing some buttons on the arm cannon. "Please, Samus… Let me know the truth."
No response. Heavy silence fell between them.
"You didn't even show up for our training session three nights ago, nor last night's," the warrior continued after a moment, solemnity in the surface of her crimson eyes. "It isn't like you at all to shirk training; you've always said it means everything to you. Whatever happened to that, hmm?"
"Wow, you know me so well," the bounty hunter said sarcastically, tinkering with the helmet.
"No, apparently I don't. But you know what I think?" Pausing, Sheik lowered her gaze a bit, the hurt still there. "It isn't training you're avoiding…"
When Samus heard the door close she turned around to realize the warrior was gone. Ashamed of herself, the bounty hunter sighed; they had never argued like this before. It felt awful. Sheik was right about everything she said: Samus was angry and she was neglecting their training sessions…
Back then, that last session… I did lose control, didn't I… she thought dejectedly. Not wanting to think about it any further, Samus returned her attention to her power suit.
For the next couple of days the mansion was calm. No tournaments were planned so everyone had to find something to do. One late afternoon, however, things were getting out of hand. Bowser Jr. and Wario were causing havoc with all their incessant pranks and Kirby, Pac-Man and Yoshi had eaten all the food…again, meaning Zelda had to go out shopping…again. She invited Palutena, Peach and Rosalina to accompany her so they could all have some girl time together and have a night of fun out in Smash City, and she invited Samus as well. Though the bounty hunter agreed some time away from the chaotic mansion would do her some good she declined the offer.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to stay here. I'm not much of a 'partying' type."
"It's all right, then," smiled Zelda. "But I shall bring you something nice, I promise!"
"For your sake it better not be a dress," sighed the bounty hunter, crossing her arms. The princess only giggled and after giving her a parting hug she joined up with the rest of her friends outside and left.
"I mean it!" Samus called out as she waved goodbye. Looking over to the woods, she decided a nice walk would really be refreshing, so she started down the unpaved road. The orange glow of the setting sun was so beautiful and peaceful… Nothing but lush, green nature surrounded her, a squirrel or two scurrying about and birds flying overhead. The summer air felt divine and the pine trees smelled so uplifting.
"I could spend a whole day out here," Samus couldn't help but sigh, admiring the beauties around her. She felt more relaxed already. There was more to life than training and fighting, she came to appreciate, but that didn't mean she would give any of it up. The world of Smash was just too good to let go.
As the bounty hunter continued down along the trail a peculiar sound reached her ears. She listened… It was a lyre, and it was being played superbly. Following the sound, she soon happened upon the large majestic lake, its surface shimmering in the sunset. And there upon an old log sat the source of that soothing music.
It was a scene of utter enchantment to Samus, features soft with wonder. How could hands that belonged to a fighter as strong and fierce as Sheik produce such exquisite music? Her fingers delicately strummed away at her lyre, eyes closed and body slowly swaying in time to the rhythm.
Then came her calm voice, eyes still closed and fingers still plucking at the strings, filling the air with a gentle, rather melancholic song.
"You don't plan to just stand there and gawk, do you? Come, sit with me."
Always the alert one, that Sheik. Some things never change. The bounty hunter simply shook her head, chuckling. She sat next to her and for a good long while the two stayed like this, allowing the music of the lyre to ease their minds. And Samus, for the first time in so long, finally felt at peace. Watching the warrior play, she saw her in a whole new way, a way she had never thought about…until now. It actually made her smile.
Samus was no longer angry, she was no longer afraid.
When the song was over Sheik wistfully gazed beyond the lake.
"Time passes, people move… Like a river's flow, it never ends… A childish mind will turn to noble ambition… Young love will become deep affection… The clear water's surface reflects growth… Now that you have listened to the Serenade of Water, I hope you can reflect upon yourself…"
Samus was moved. "I didn't know you could be so philosophical."
"It's hard for me to explain but sometimes I feel inspired by an era of legend long before our time… Tell me, did you like the song?" she asked, looking at her.
"Hmph, as if you need to ask," replied the bounty hunter, flashing her a pearly grin.
"I'm glad to see you're in better spirits," Sheik smiled behind her scarf.
Samus gazed at the sunset. It really was beautiful. "About that… I'm sorry for how I've been acting, and…for arguing with you the other day. I've been angry at myself, but it wasn't fair of me to take it out on you like that."
"I'm sorry, too. I shouldn't have been so hard on you." The warrior then pensively looked down at her lyre. "I just…didn't want to lose a good friend."
The bounty hunter cast her soft gaze to her, shaking her head in an assuring way. "You could never lose me," her voice was full of warmth.
Deeply gladdened to hear that, the warrior met her sapphire eyes and smiled again. Samus was smiling, too. It just occurred to the two of them that they never really spend time together like this. Suddenly the training sessions didn't seem like enough.
Thinking back on everything that happened, the golden-haired woman sighed in embarrassment. "Man, I've been a bigger knucklehead than Captain Falcon and should rightly get my ass kicked for it."
The statement made the warrior laugh; the sound of it made Samus smile to herself. She never realized how nice it was to hear Sheik laugh. It made her want to hear it more often.
"Just remember, if there's anything that ever troubles you, you can always tell me," a hand found Samus's, grasping it warmly. "And if you don't, then I have the liberty of beating it out of you."
Now it was Samus's turn to laugh, interlocking her fingers with her friend's. "Fair enough."
The stage was set.
Final Destination, no time limit. No breaks, no turning back.
3…! 2…! 1…! GO!
Enjoying herself for the first time in so long, Samus ran and quickly performed a knee kick, her jet boots briefly lifting her up in the air. An opportune moment! Sheik did a low sweep and brought her foot up with the intent of slamming it down on the bounty hunter, but Samus merely scoffed and dodged just in time.
"That the best you got?"
In an instant the warrior launched her Needle Storm before performing a forward smash attack. "You haven't seen anything yet!" The two were intensely immersed in the battle, blocking, evading, counterattacking… It was more of a dance than a fight, the way they moved so thoroughly, so deftly and spiritedly.
The combatants then jumped away to create a space of distance between them, observing one another. The corner of Samus's mouth curled into a self-assured smirk as she prepared her paralyzer.
"Ready for round two?"
Sheik chuckled behind her scarf, shifting into a fighting stance as she beckoned her opponent.
"Always."
With that, the two were battling again, honing and testing their skills, stamina and resolve with each and every attack, but more than anything they were having the time of their lives, their faces not only aglow with sweat but also with sheer exuberance.
Wasting not a second more, Samus rushed in and executed a vicious kick but Sheik seized her by the ankle with one hand, halting the strike. Thinking ahead, Samus jumped and spun in the air, freeing herself and using the momentum to unleash a series of kicks. The other fighter was not deterred, however, as she landed a Bouncing Fish, causing the two of them to fall and roll across the arena. The bounty hunter had the warrior pinned down by the wrists as they struggled for control over the other.
But after a while they stopped, only staring at one another, both of them panting. Their breathing slowly relaxed, and suddenly, there it was again…that inexplicable attraction, and just like that the two fighters were spellbound, their gazes dealing far more impact than their fists could ever accomplish.
Samus couldn't stop herself. Her fingers gently, almost tentatively, touched the side of Sheik's face, and all the while the warrior inwardly shivered, blushing beneath her scarf. She felt as those fingers continued to caress her, lower…down to her scarf, lightly tugging at it…
This jolted Sheik back to reality and, just before Samus could even begin to pull it down, she hastily rose.
"F-forgive me…but let's end th-the session here…" she stammered, going over to turn off the stage simulator early and returning the training room to normal. She was about to stride past Samus when the bounty hunter stopped her, gently grabbing her by the wrist.
"You're nervous. Are you okay?"
No response. The warrior refused to look in the other woman's direction.
"Look at me," Samus was adamant.
"Please…don't do this to me…" ruby-red eyes were hidden in the shadow of her hair.
"What am I doing to you? What are you so afraid of that you can't look at me? It's not like you…"
"Let go!" Sheik twisted her wrist free and left the training room.
As she watched her leave a familiar desire overwhelmed the bounty hunter's senses. This feeling that had been bothering her for so long now, she finally understood what it was.
Pure arousal.
I don't want something, I want someone… I want her.
The mansion was quiet. Everyone was sound asleep, the full moon outside shining its soft silvery light through the large windows. The door that led into the showers opened and closed.
Even now my heart's still pounding… Some time alone should help me relax… thought Sheik, shedding from her clothes, ridding the bandages and scarf and untying her braid, long honey hair falling about her back. She stepped inside, sighing upon feeling the cold tile flooring beneath her bare feet. Turning on the showerhead, she was soon standing under a bracing deluge of warm water, the showers filling up with thick steam. Sheik commenced scrubbing her scalp, head tilted back slightly and eyes closed, body slick and lustrous as the water soothed her aches away.
The door opened and closed.
"Mind if I join in?" The sensuous voice alone sent a shiver up the warrior's spine, but she did her best to sound calm.
"Do as you like."
The showerhead adjacent from hers turned on. She caught sight of Samus, who had undone her ponytail. It was the first time the warrior had ever seen her with her hair down, finding herself captivated by how stunning she looked. Disregarding the feeling, however, Sheik resumed showering, turning her back to the bounty hunter.
They showered in silence, the only constant steady sound coming from the streams of water. Whenever the opportunity arose Samus discreetly looked Sheik's body up and down, up to her muscular back and down to that round ass…
Her crystal-blue eyes followed that droplet of water that, as though teasing her, slowly slid its way down to that lusciously round ass…
That was it. That was all it took to throw Samus over and beyond the edge.
When she felt a pair of arms snake around her waist from behind, pulling her into a warm embrace, Sheik was caught by surprise.
"S-Samus…" she gasped.
"Look at me…" the golden-haired temptress murmured against the other woman's ear, giving her an encouraging squeeze. "I'm not afraid of you… Don't be afraid of me…"
"I…I'm not…" Sheik timidly bit her bottom lip, blood rushing to color her cheeks red again. It made her a little nervous not having her scarf on; it was absurd to think but she felt vulnerable without it. She didn't feel like herself. She knew she looked like Zelda, but that wasn't the reason why she wore her scarf. Having it on gave her an air of mysteriousness that she liked, something that was a part of her.
Feeling Samus squeeze her again, the warrior let go a small gasp of pleasure. This was happening all too suddenly, yet her body had already surrendered to the other woman. She couldn't believe how soft and warm Samus's skin felt against her own heated skin, how much she was craving to feel more of her…
"Wh-what's…what's come over me…?" she breathed, instinctively leaning back against the bounty hunter who, in return, held her closer as she murmured into her ear again.
"Don't try to hide it… You want this, too, don't you?"
Did she? Thinking about it now, during all those training sessions… Sheik would admire Samus's body, wouldn't she? Such a well-toned, gorgeous body… Having that body pressed up against her this very moment, the warrior could not deny her own carnal desires any longer. If Samus was ready to take it a step further, why shouldn't she be, either?
"…Don't you?" she heard the other woman repeat.
She did.
Turning in place, Sheik looked at her, and the bounty hunter seductively smirked. What a sight to behold: the proud, composed warrior, modest and so shy now. Samus found it quite adorable.
"There, now that wasn't so bad, was it?" she said, hugging her tighter so that their breasts were pushed together.
That scarf was gone, too. Samus was at last able to look at the warrior's face and see for herself just what everyone meant about her and Zelda looking alike. It was true they both shared the same long Hylian ears and facial structure, but goodness, what a cute little nose…and what soft-looking lips…but most of all, those eyes… There was just something about them, something so attractive to Samus, that was simply incomparable. To her, no one could ever come close to the allure Sheik had.
"You're beautiful, you know that?" the bounty hunter said in a loving tone. The warrior was taken aback hearing that, not because it came from Samus, but because it came from anyone at all, not even Zelda. The princess was not at all narcissistic, but she had always told Sheik she admired her for her determination and frank outlook on things. These were distinguishing qualities that made the warrior who she was. Sheik never really strived for something like beauty nor did she ever think about it. Whether she had achieved it or not, it never really mattered to her. But now… It was probably because it did come from Samus that the warrior suddenly felt her body grow quite warm.
"Samus…" the warrior softly began, returning the embrace while searching into those sapphire eyes. "If we do this, then what will that mean…for us?" The two women shuddered in one another's arms, mouths so close. "I don't think things will go back to being the same…"
"If it means being able to hold you like this, then I don't want anything to ever be the same…"
"But are you sure…you're okay with me?" Mouths so tantalizingly close…
"Hmm…" Samus hummed in feign contemplation. "What does this tell you…?" Saying nothing more, she leaned in and claimed her lips (and how right the bounty hunter was. Such soft lips…) in a deep, longing kiss. Slowly, thoroughly, they explored one another's softness, relishing one another's taste…sweet, intoxicating. They just couldn't get enough of it, making out in a hot, sultry display. Samus took Sheik's bottom lip between her teeth and pulled on it, causing the warrior to moan into the kiss. The instant she did her mouth opened just enough for the bounty hunter to slip her lithe tongue inside. Swirling it around her delicious irresistible mouth, she coaxed Sheik to do the same and soon their tongues were passionately wrestling.
They could have gone on like this much longer. Would have, too, had the need for air not become too great and they had to pull away, a string of saliva briefly connecting their mouths.
The honey-haired woman was the first to speak, voice lightly trembling. "Th-that you're very brazen…"
The sapphire-eyed beauty simply chuckled, maneuvering her hand downward to grasp and knead her right breast, pinching her nipple. Sheik huskily moaned in pleasure. Just the reaction Samus wanted.
"You like that?" she purred with a sly grin.
The warrior could only nod and give a shaky sigh. The look on her face told Samus to continue, so of course, not wanting to disappoint, the bounty hunter did just that, rolling and twisting her nipple roughly between her index finger and thumb. After a while she switched to the other breast to give it as much attention as she could. She marveled at how, despite Sheik's breasts being a little smaller compared to her own, they were so incredibly soft and round. In fact, it had always been impossible to tell just how big her breasts were because of all the bandages that restrained them.
But now… Samus absolutely loved this new side of Sheik. Nothing hiding, nothing wrapped, everything exposed, everything true.
Eyes burning with desire, the bounty hunter captured that delicious mouth again, the warrior kissing her back with just as much passion. How they loved this exhilarating battle their tongues engaged in, tasting one another's rich, succulent flavor again, moaning together at the sweet sensation of their breaths mingling. This little "session" was certainly not in their schedule but it was quite welcomed nonetheless. The two women were filled with mutual ecstasy; holding one another as they were, their bodies fit together like a perfect jigsaw puzzle.
Samus peppered her jawline with unhurried, tender kisses, her hand gliding down the warrior's well-toned abdomen to her moist, shaved pussy. Her index and ring finger widely parted the folds as the middle finger went right to work on that needy clit, rubbing it in measured, circular motions. Then she dragged her middle finger up and down her dripping slit, earning nothing but lustful gasps and moans from the other woman. More of her juices poured forth, now dripping down her inner thighs and drenching Samus's hand.
"Damn baby, you're so wet…" the bounty hunter said, looking into her face. "I can't believe just how beautiful you are… I better see you more like this, without that scarf and all those bandages."
Hearing that made Sheik blush, returning Samus's gaze with her own lust-filled one. "O-only if you keep t-touching me like this…"
The bounty hunter's lips curled into a rather wicked grin, voice low and seductive. "Deal. But you know…" then, still holding her close, she turned the warrior around while cupping her breast with her right hand. "You weren't fair sometimes. This…" and she firmly smacked that sexy round ass—something she had wanted to do for a long time now—with the other hand, causing a shameless moan to escape Sheik, "seriously kept distracting me…"
Another hard smack. The warrior hissed and moaned deeply, reaching an arm around to grab the back of Samus's head. Meanwhile, Samus's hand moved down to find its place between her legs again, allowing her fingertips to caress the warrior's inner thigh, once in a while touching her wet folds ever so lightly. It pleased her seeing Sheik growing so impatient for more of her touch, rocking her hips as she tried to grind against her fingers. The bounty hunter mischievously chuckled to herself, unable to resist.
If she wants it that bad then I'll give it to her…
Samus thrust two fingers in, drawing a magnificent moan from the other woman. With each pump of her fingers, each twist and curl as they breached those tight inner walls, she sent pulsating jolts of pleasure all over Sheik. Being in control like this turned Samus on so much she let out a moan herself. Her own shaved pussy was sopping wet, but it would have to wait. Right now she wanted to focus all her attention on Sheik.
Especially if it meant Samus could keep listening to all those sexy sounds cascading out the warrior's mouth. "Mmm, feels good, doesn't it…" she said lustfully against her ear, planting a sweet, lingering kiss upon her temple. She added a third finger, and what a gorgeous sound the bounty hunter was rewarded with.
Samus drove her fingers in deeper, deeper… In and out, in and out, then right back in, increasing the pace by degrees. Soon her fingers found what they had been so diligently searching for: that prized, ridged spot…
"Th-there…! Right there!" the warrior gasped and trembled. Samus gave her breast a good firm squeeze, tugging her nipple harshly as she continued ramming into her, hitting that spot over and over again… Sheik pressed her body back against her lover even more, the pleasure really starting to flare up inside her. "Ooooh! Oh Samus yes… K-keep going…! Harder, harder…"
Hearing her talk like that was just about the hottest damn thing Samus had ever heard. Aroused like never before, the sapphire-eyed woman intensified her thrusting, savoring the warrior's cries of pleasure as she curled her fingers even deeper inside her wet pussy. Sheik never felt this good before, pure lust glazed all over her features. Her whole body was just begging to be sent far over the peak of glorious release. She wanted it, needed it, so badly…
The heat of pleasure soon reached a whole new level and Samus picked up on it upon feeling the warrior's hot pussy walls tighten around her fingers. The bounty hunter went faster, harder, deeper, rubbing that sensitive ridged spot while applying as much pressure as she could to it. Before long, the warrior's legs began to quiver, threatening to give in on her. But Samus was there to hold her steady, cooing encouragingly into her ear.
"That's it, baby… Give me all you got…"
Brought to the height of euphoria at last, Sheik let out a long, deep moan as she came, her juices forming a thick puddle upon the floor, mingling with the water. Giving her warm wet pussy a few last pumps, Samus slowly withdrew her glistening fingers, looking them over with a pleased grin. She then offered those nectar-coated digits to Sheik's lips.
"Taste it…" she purred, and the ruby-eyed woman gladly obeyed, taking them into her mouth to suck on. It was fascinating how sweet yet mildly tangy her essence was, wondering if Samus tasted this good…
Under the warm, steamy spray of water the two women washed one another. Smiling and exchanging little kisses, they couldn't wait to see where this night of passion and lust would take them next. Before they knew it, they found themselves in Samus's room, illuminated by the gentle orange glow of the lamp. The warrior laid the bounty hunter upon the bed, pinning her down by the wrists in a similar position they were in earlier. This time, it was Sheik's turn to be in control, taking Samus's mouth in a passionate kiss. Not that Samus had any objections; in fact, she could get used to this. Sheik soon intensified the kiss, demanding entrance, so Samus happily complied, granting her sweet access.
After a while the warrior broke the kiss to plant many little ones down along Samus's neck, every now and then replacing them with forceful bites that had the bounty hunter craving for more. Her lips parted in a husky moan when a clever tongue licked the skin of her collarbone. She cried out when that wondrously hot mouth seized her left nipple, letting it go with a wet pop but immediately closing around it again.
At length Sheik switched to the other pink nipple and swirled it around with her tongue first, getting it nice and wet before sucking on it, eyes glancing up to observe her. She wondered what would happen if she did this…(nibble on it).
"Aaah…!" Samus arched her body. And this…(suck on it harder). "Mmm…" she licked her lips in a delightfully sexy way.
My, my, how sensitive she is… But the fun has yet to begin.
As she continued to suck on her nipple her hand traveled down Samus's toned stomach, settling upon her inner thigh. She then pressed down with her palm, coaxing the other woman to part her long slender legs. Her mouth was eager for a new task so she shifted herself lower until her face was only inches away from that luscious-looking pussy, feasting upon it with her eyes first. Spreading apart the slick folds, Sheik glided her tongue up against her pussy before, feeling a little playful, blowing into it. Samus shuddered at the sensation.
"D-don't tease me like th-that…" her voice trembled. But tease again Sheik did, breathing into the deep pink flesh, spreading the folds even more as she then traced the opening of her deliciously dripping pussy with the tip of her tongue. This was too much for the bounty hunter, head dizzying with pleasure. She gasped and shivered when she felt her pussy being blown on again. "Sh-Sheik…!"
The warrior gave her a little smirk. "Yes?"
Samus was unbelievably wet, heart pounding furiously in her chest. "Damn it, st-stop teasing me," she could barely find the words that became trapped in her throat. "Just…give it to me already…"
"Oh? Is this what you want…?" And the warrior dove her face into her pussy, taking her clit into her mouth and sucking on it. A long, pleased hiss rolled off Samus's lips as she threw her head back into the pillow. She spread her legs wider to give Sheik more access to her wet inviting entrance. Appreciating the gesture, the warrior thrust her tongue inside and vigorously wriggled it around her inner walls. Nose pressed right against her sexy pink pussy, Sheik deeply inhaled the strong scent that wafted up her nostrils, utterly intoxicated by it. Samus tasted even better, however, and the warrior knew right then she was addicted.
Meanwhile, Samus's mouth hung open in a series of sensuous moans. She couldn't believe just how phenomenal this pleasure felt… More, she had to feel more… Blushing deeply, the golden-haired beauty grasped her lover's head and began to rock her hips against that supple, moist tongue.
"Oh baby, yesss… Just like that…" Samus lustfully moaned. She let her fingers entwine themselves in those soft, honey tresses as she stroked her head, and in return Sheik showed her approval by moaning into her erotic-smelling pussy, licking her clit, wrapping her lips around it, slithering her tongue along the folds…
Deep, titillating pleasure built up in Samus, all in one concentrated point. Moments later her back arched as, all at once, it shot to every last nerve in her body, causing her symphony of moans to reach its glorious crescendo as she herself reached the pinnacle of ecstasy. Sheik hungrily lapped up the delectable nectar that gushed out, savoring her exquisite flavor. Casting her eyes to the bounty hunter, she then grinned deviously.
I'm not done with you just yet…
She kissed her way up delicious skin to ravish her breasts again, nipples swollen with need, as two fingers slipped right in, exploring wet, soft depths. Samus had such a beautiful look of lust painted on her face, hair tousled all over the pillow as she panted heavily. The pleasure from earlier had not yet fully subsided and now by degrees it was heightening to an overwhelming level, stimulating her nerves into overdrive and sending countless little jolts that had her brain in a lust-clouded daze. Then those nimble digits curled upward, and that had Samus really gasping. The warrior smirked to herself, adding another finger. Finding the perfect rhythm, she went slow and deep, sheathing her fingers to the very knuckle as she gave that grooved surface the utmost love and attention. And when she rubbed it just right…
Samus swore the whole room spun as her mouth opened in a long, beautiful scream, a flow of her juices erupting from her pussy. Letting lust take over, Sheik pressed her own slick sex against the bounty hunter's and rolled her voluptuous hips, moaning from sweet friction, and together the two women rode out their orgasms, their heated bodies glistening in a delicate mixture of sweat and intimate fluids against the soft radiance of the lamp.
Their lovemaking over, both of them exhausted but utterly happy, the bounty hunter and the warrior were spooning, the bed sheet draped over them. Samus kissed the nape of her neck, and in response Sheik peacefully sighed.
"Samus?" she then began.
"Yeah?"
"Thank you for tonight."
The bounty hunter snuggled closer against her. "It doesn't have to end with tonight…does it?"
"Hmm…" Sheik craned her head back and gave her lover's nose a quick little peck along with a rather sly grin. "What does that tell you?"
Samus really had to smile at how cute that was. "That I have nothing to worry about." And the two felt quite hopeful for the future.
"One last thing."
"Mmm?"
"Does this mean you're going to go easy during our training?"
The golden-haired woman playfully scoffed. "Not a chance."
"Good," the ruby-eyed warrior smiled. Relaxing in one another's warmth, they then succumbed to blissful slumber.
Life at the mansion was normal: tournaments were held regularly, Pit and Link practiced archery out in the field, Fox and Falco raced in their arwings, and Ike and Captain Falcon arm wrestled while Lucina, Zelda, Palutena and Peach cheered them on, placing bets on who would win, but of course Wii Fit Trainer utterly destroyed them when she joined in, launching Ike away and nearly breaking Captain Falcon's arm, then she proceeded to reprimand them for not doing enough exercise.
To get away from all the mayhem of the mansion after the tournaments were over two fighters strolled off hand in hand to their secret little spot by the lakeside. They were sitting on the old log as Sheik played her lyre and Samus listened to the serene music, the two exchanging contented smiles. And because the warrior didn't have her scarf on, seldom wearing it now, her features appeared much brighter and softer, something the bounty hunter loved since it meant looking at her beautiful smile and face.
Several nights later the two were deep in the middle of a training session. The warrior (wearing her scarf since she didn't like fighting without it) ran and performed a dash attack but the bounty hunter dodged by doing a Flip Jump. She then performed a low sweep, causing Sheik to fall but the warrior was sharp-witted, countering with a down smash attack which launched Samus away. Landing quickly on her feet, she shot her paralyzer and stunned the warrior, giving her enough time to dash in and strike back with an uppercut followed by a Boost Kick. Then she unleashed another Flip Jump which spiked the other woman down into the Final Destination arena. Sheik got right back up and wiped the sweat from her forehead before shifting into a fighting stance, looking at the bounty hunter who was in a stance of her own.
"That last attack was really something else," the warrior smirked. "I love it when you go all out."
"There's more where that came from; and don't worry, after I kick your ass I'll kiss it all better later," a mischievous smile formed on Samus's face as she winked at her.
"J-just come at me!" Sheik asserted, her scarf failing to hide her blush as she charged in for an attack.
"You're so cute when you're impatient; fine then, let's go!" Samus immediately dashed forward, and just like that they resumed their fight. Training sessions had become quite…stimulating, in more ways than one, but the two partners had to agree that things couldn't have been more perfect.